Loch Tay, Scotland

Loch Tay, Scotland

View of Loch Tay from Kenmore looking south.
Loch Tay (north) from Kenmore

Today, I am posting information on the Loch Tay area in Perthshire, central Scotland.

Summary Information

This loch (lake) lies at an approximately 45 degree angle with the village of Killin at south and Kenmore, near Aberfeldy at northern end. Kenmore is about seventy-seven miles north of Glasgow.

View of Kenmore village taken from high elevation on opposite side of Loch Tay.
Kenmore

The loch is about 14.5 miles long and 1.5 miles at widest.

View of central section of Loch Tay with rolling hills populated with sheep.
Central Loch Tay region

More information on the Loch Tay Region

This region is relatively quiet, providing many opportunities for activities and relaxation including hiking, boating, golf, fishing, photography, white water sports (Grandtully) and climbing local mountains. There is also an excellent ‘backroads’ drive between Kenmore and Amulree known as ‘Glen Quaich‘, however this road is usually closed during winter.

View of the Glen Quaich backroads scenery with hills and small loch in distance.
Glen Quaich
View of snow covered mountain, Ben Lawers which is located on west side of Loch Tay.
Ben Lawers (mountain) in winter. Height 3984 feet.

Accommodation is available at both ends of the loch, at Killin and Kenmore

Here is a summary of information concerning the loch (lake) and environs:

  • Has been occupied by man since prehistoric times. On the hills to the east is Greenland Stone Circle  whilst a little further north is Croft Moraig Stone Circle.
View of prehistoric stone circle near Loch Tay known as Croft Moraig.
Croft Moraig Stone Circle

Prehistoric rock carvings on western bank of the loch, possibly 5000 years old.

View of concentric circles carved into an exposed rock on the bank of Loch Tay during prehistoric times.
Rock Art
  • During the Iron-Age (about 2500 years ago) the loch, in common with many other lochs and lakes, was populated by dwellings known as crannogs. A crannog has been reconstructed near Kenmore and is now a visitor attraction.
View of reconstructed iron-age crannog on edge of Loch Tay at Kenmore.
Crannog Centre at Kenmore
  • Near Kenmore can be found the Falls of Acharn and Taymouth Castle. (Latter is not a visitor attraction.)
Waterfall, known as Falls of Acharn near Kenmore, close to Loch Tay.
Falls of Acharn, near Kenmore
View north from village of Killin during winter showing snow-capped mountains in distance.
Killin
View north from southern end of Loch Tay in winter showing snow-covered landscape.
Southern end of Loch Tay in winter
View of lateral waterfall at Killin known as Falls of Dochart at southern end of L,och Tay
Falls of Dochart at Killin

More information on Loch Tay and sightseeing in Scotland can be found in Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4

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